I moved to Hibbing Minnesota in late December for two primary reasons, my big brother and his wife live here, and for the wolves at Ely! I got to make my first visit two weeks ago! The drive there was so beautiful, and so interesting! Arriving at the center, you see this beautiful building, backed and surrounded by trees. It is misleading in a way because it hides the center's true size! We walked in and just as my brother was paying, they told us go to the observation deck, the wolves have just come out and are active! As a poet and author, one of my dream projects is to one day spend time among the wolves with my Nikon and photograph them and then write poetry for each photo, and combine them into a coffee table book that can be sold, with proceeds going to the Wolf Center to help with their research and projects! I grew up in the Southern California desert, we had no wolves there! Lots of coyotes! Wolves have always been a part of me, deep somewhere inside. As I sat in the observation deck and watched Boltz, I had, what I can only describe as a deeply spiritual and moving experience. I felt like Adam, in the presence of God, these were His creations. My brother watched movies and presentations on Wolves and left me to my zen peace! And it was one of the most peaceful moments I have ever experienced! It is so worth the trip! It is a MUST SEE for anyone in or travelling to Minnesota! The staff is AMAZING, knowledgeable, friendly, and answered my questions not only willingly but happily!
One of my favorite places to visit. I'm very lucky to be local so I can and do visit often. Staff is amazing, very knowledgeable and friendly. The site is also very nice. Come visit the wolves in beautiful Ely!!
The International Wolf Center is absolutely incredible. Just walking through the front doors for the first time I knew it was a very special place. The IWC has a way of captivating you through their world class educational displays. The staff are so well versed and able to answer and explain any question presented. They are so knowledgeable it feels like a challenge to ask them something they don't know! I could sit and watch the ambassador wolves for hours on end at the center. And when at home, I can watch them on Webcams! It is heartwarming to see how well they are managed and cared for. A truly beautiful pack. The IWC is the leader in providing science based evidence and information on the wolf, and anything to do with this organization I 100% support!
I am incredibly impressed with the work done by International Wolf Center. Their organization provides critical sanctuary and opportunities for public awareness for a fascinating and endangered predator species. I was so taken by the quality of display, level of professionalism, and overall commitment to conservation when visiting the center.
Thank you for the work you do!
I first visited in the late 1990s when I was living in Texas and came to northern Minnesota for a fall vacation. I spent my summers on a nearby lake as a kid, so was familiar with the area, but had just heard about the Center. Loved it from the first moment there. Became a member and tried to keep up with it as much as I could (the internet back then not being what it is now.)
After moving back to Minnesota I started making frequent trips to Ely and would just spend hours sitting and observing the wolves. I was selected as a Pup Nanny/Pup Care Participant with the 2008 litter of Aidan & Denali - the best week of my life!! I've since been invited back to do Pup Care in 2012 and 2016. I also volunteer through the Corporate Office in the Twin Cities at the MN State Fair. I have learned so much from the staff and other volunteers - they are the best! Lori Schmidt, Curator, has the utmost respect for all the wolves and I have never doubted that no matter what, she will always do whatever is right for the wolf.
The Center always finds the very best for their intern staff also - what I respect about them is that even though they are "staff" and I am not - they are still very interested in my stories/experience with the wolves (pups) and my observations throughout the years.
This place is a MUST SEE for anyone with even an inkling of interest about wolves - the Center is a neutral party in discussions - they are not pro-this or against-that - they are all about education and letting people make up their own minds - a fresh purpose these days.
For my role - it will only allow me to select one - but I am more than one - I am a customer, member, volunteer, donor, and exuberant supporter!! :-)
One summer day in the north woods of MN, I discovered the International Wolf Center with my husband. I love wolves and was so impressed with the facilities, the crew and of course, how well educated I became about wolves during my visit that inspires me to this day. It is an especially committed and worthwhile non-profit helping to raise awareness and protect the wolf.
It is a must stop everytime we are in Ely!!! Best way to spend a Saturday night watching wolves eat.
Distance is a problem for me, but I have followed the IWC since 2008, my first visit was in 2010. As we walked in the door I knew we had came into a wonderful place, full of great things. The people are so caring and helpful, answering all question that you could put to them.
I love the fact the school's and classrooms can be involved also..
Since my first visit I have been able to be a nanny for the 2012 pups and the 2016 pups, best experience a person could ever have. Again without the caring & knowledgeable people that are in charge, this great place would never exist.
Since I live in an area that get's winter visitors I'm always running into folks from Minnesota I always ask have been to Ely & the International Wolf Center. If the answer is no. You can guess you my reply is.. Oh you must go...
I have been journeying to the wolf center since 2014 for volunteering on the working for wolves crew, pupcare in 2016, and many of the educational adventure programs. Every time it is a wonderful experience watching the wolves and speaking with staff. Everyone is dedicated to the mission of the center but foremost to the best care of the wolves. The dedication to the wellbeing of the pack is outstanding. This is a must visit for learning about the importance of wolves to the ecosystem. Ely and surrounding area have many opportunities to be in nature. Their are also interesting shops and small museums to visit. If you can't get to the center, watch the pack on their webcams!
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The IWC has the best programs for learning about Wolves and their importance in the natural world. An amazing facility affording viewing of captive born pack to learn about these beautiful animals. Volunteer programs and learning adventure trips provide various opportunities to learn about and engage with nature
Kim W. I have been volunteering at the International Wolf Center for 13 years. From the first day I visited, till today, I knew this was the type of organization I wanted to be involved with any way possible. The staff is dedicated to scienced based wolf education and lets visitors make their own decisions regarding tough wolf opinions. The care of the captive wolves on site is first rate and their care is a top priority.
